Today, we’ll take a look at how WordStream Smart Ads can help you reach prospects on more than 2 million websites. But first...

What exactly is the Google Display Network (GDN)?

And more importantly, why should you advertise on it?

While there are other display advertising options, none of them even come close to the GDN in terms of reach. According to Google, ads on the GDN are eligible to appear on over two million websites and 650,000 apps.

It unlocks the potential to reach over 90% of global internet users, and is the perfect tool if you…

Want to introduce your brand to a ton of people

Have a lengthy sales process and need to ensure your product or brand stays top-of-mind for prospects in research mode

Already possess a visually compelling offering and have the ad creative to show it off

Bottom line: there’s no better way to expand your online presence without breaking the bank.

Google Display Network Ad Formats

With the GDN, you aren’t limited to two headlines and a description (though text ads are totally viable here, too). In fact, there are multiple ad formats available to help you reach net-new prospects and move existing ones further down your marketing funnel.

With text ads, you operate as you would with the creative you’ve been using on search results pages. For responsive ads, you simply input a handful of variables (copy, brand assets, and image) and allow Google to determine which size and style of ad is best; they’re incredibly versatile, but you trade off some control.

Of the three, image ads are by far the most engaging, rewarding, as well as complex.

Aside from requiring compelling copy and a clickable CTA, image ads also require high-end creative to make sure your ad captures and holds attention on the often-crowded sites on which ads are served.

Now, there are a handful of image ad formats:

JPG - a static image file type commonly used for photographs.

PNG - a static image commonly used for diagrams, illustrations, etc.

GIF - a simple animated image.

HTML5 - used for code-intensive animated and interactive images.

Among the four, HTML5 ads—those that leverage some form of animation—are easily the most eye-catching. They allow you to advertise across the most common ad sizes on the Google Display Network, using the power of motion to increase engagement.

Here’s what an HTML5 ad created using WordStream Advisor might look like:

Miriam Ash, head of marketing for Alt Legal, recently tried out the beta version of Smart Ads for Display. To say she loved them would be an understatement:

“Do you have any idea much easier this makes my life,” she said. “This would take me 3 weeks normally. You guys hit a home run.”

How WordStream’s Smart Ads for Display Works

Once you provide your website or business page URL, WordStream Advisor’s Smart Ads technology will automatically generate the seven most common display ad sizes for you, in animated form, to use on the Google Display Network.

Pulls high-quality images - Only the best images on your site will be harvested, resulting in crisp ads regardless of sizing. Quality here is determined by resolution, lack of text, and key focal points, among other aspects.

Leverages relevant copy - Smart Ads clips snippets of text from your website so you don’t have to create more marketing copy!

Getting started with Smart Ads in WordStream Advisor

If you’re already a WordStream customer and you’d like to give Smart Ads a go, here’s how!

Navigate to your Manage AdWords section, select the ads tab, and click the create a new ad button.

From there, the ad creation wizard will walk you through the 3-step process of pulling creative, copy, and brand assets from your site, selecting the appropriate visual theme, and, finally, pushing your new, engaging ads live on the Google Display Network.

Whether you are trying to decide if Google Display Network advertising is right for you or looking for a single software solution to help you manage all your online advertising needs, our experts are here to help. We LIKE giving demos! Contact us here to set one up.

Allen Finn

Allen Finn writes many things at WordStream, where he reigned as fantasy football champion for some time. He likes marveling at funky beer labels, every beat on Liquid Swords, most cuts of beef, and New Hampshire.